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Topic: Bees gathering on front of TBH (Read 6664 times)

The bees were outside of the hive, sitting on the front 'porch' and gathering on the front face and hanging below the 'porch' as well. They were doing this in both hives.

I just figured it was too hot inside. Some were also at the entrance fanning, I'm assuming to cool it down.

But, now we are in the 60s at night, and they are still gathered outside the front. In smaller numbers, but still there. I check first thing in the morning and there are still bees fanning at the entrance as well.

Do I need to add ventilation? Open up some space between the top bars?

Can you prop the front or back of your cover? Or drill some holes in the front, back or sides for more ventilation? When I accidentally left spaces between my bars during installation, I REALLY regretted it since they built messed-up comb that I am going to have to cut out or live with them repeating throughout the rest of the bars. I think you should keep the bars together for sure.

Do your bees have access to close water?

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The pedigree of honey Does not concern the bee; A clover, any time, to him Is aristocracy. ---Emily Dickinson

Yes...much warmer than we were expecting. I have to record the temperature at my work every day, and it got to 90F this weekend.

Plenty of water around. We set trays of water, with small rocks, on top of each hive, and rinse them out about every 3-4 days to be sure they stay clean. We're about 50-70 yards from an outfall/gully with running water, and 150yards from the Illinois river.

I thought about drilling some holes for ventilation, but also seemed to remember that M. Bush indicated they weren't needed/recommended for a TBH. Looks like it might be a hot summer though, and if vents are needed, looking for advice.

I'm one of the bee hive growers in my town and I also had problems with ventilation since we experience a very humid temperature but I did try some of the advice here and it worked. I know this is not my post but I just want to thank everyone for the advice.

bigbearomaha

The bees haven't been eating too many beans have they? maybe it's not cooling they are doing, but trying to fan away some other bees pedo smelling gas. I know around my house, especially on a frijoles and chiles night, my kids will start throwing open all the doors and turning on every fan they can find. even in the dead of winter. Heh heh